St Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation events

Saint Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation publicist George Gardner announced to Historic City News this morning that the local non-profit organization will use May and June to raise community awareness and funds to support their educational mission.

In addition to recognizing St Augustine as America’s oldest city, as well as the nation’s oldest port, the Foundation will celebrate the historic city’s maritime heritage with food, fun, and a focus on the environment during activities planned over the next two months.

“A pig roast will be held on May 15, a spaghetti dinner on May 19, our family fun day on June 8, and a Florida 500 expedition is in the works for June 24-25,” Gardner told reporters.

Pig Roast May 15, 6:00 p.m. at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park; features roast pig on the spit, rice and beans, choice of salad and deserts. A cash bar will serve beer, wine and sangria with complimentary soft drinks and coffee. Go back in time with the Foundation’s boat builders at work on a 16th century boat. Tickets $22 in advance, $25 day of the event, are available at the park or online www.staugmaritimeheritage.org Contact Roy Jaeger 904-599-3800.

Spaghetti dinner May 19, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the “Back 40 Urban Café”, located on South Dixie Highway in St Augustine; with your choice of spaghetti and fresh salad, along with information on the Foundation’s maritime heritage activities. A donation of $15 per person will be collected at the door.

Family Fun Day June 8, 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St Augustine. The St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum in conjunction with the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park will present a free day of activities including model boat building and races, ship wreck artifacts, youth sailboat rigging, demonstrations, fun exhibits, and hands-on activities. Take a turn at knot-tying, team up for tug ‘o war, enjoy storytelling and refreshments. The Maritime Heritage Foundation’s boat builders will be on hand to describe their work on a 16th century boat.

Expedition Florida 500 June 24-25. Welcome Justin Riney on his expedition from Pensacola to the Dry Tortugas to Jacksonville on stand-up paddleboard, kayak, powerboat, sailboat, airboat and alternative energy vehicles, to raise awareness of environmental threats to our ocean, waterways, and freshwater ecosystems.

June 24, at 3:00 p.m., the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation, St. Augustine Cruisers Net, and Sailors in St Augustine invite stand up paddlers, kayakers, and canoes to paddle along with Justin from the bayfront north of the Bridge of Lions to the Lighthouse Park boat ramp on Salt Run as he is welcomed on one of the final legs of his journey. To sign up for the paddle-up email: info@staugmaritimeheritage.org. The gathering will include a group photo at the lighthouse for Justin’s log.

June 25, 10:45 am at high tide, Justin will paddle up to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park to be greeted by re-enactors with a Marine Combat Landing Salute including cannon fire, muskets, and drums, then a tour of the St Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation’s Astillero (boatyard) with volunteers in 16th century period clothing.